Hello Everyone!
My name is Moses. This is my first post here on the new *google* neonixie-l list. I used to be on the list when it was on yahoo groups, 20 some odd years ago. I never switched over to the google group until now. Like they say, life is what happens when you're busy making other plans. I hope some of my old friends from the list are still here, and I'm sure I'll meet some interesting new ones as well.
A little background on myself. Back in the early 2000s after loosing my job. I'm not exactly sure how or why.. but I ended up traveling to the other side of the world, many times, roaming through dusty old Soviet warehouses looking for nixie tubes. Those stories can go on for days, I'll keep it short for now and tell you it was an incredible adventure!
I brought those old tubes back here to California and started selling them on ebay. I would eventually make several clock kits using the tubes I had, including a 4 digit IN-17 kit, and 4/6 digit kit with Z57xM tubes. I never made the riches that I had anticipated, but it put food on the table for while and it was fun work. I am the original owner of the domain '
neonixie.com' and you can see some of my original clock kits there.
Fast forward to now. I've decided to redesign my most popular kit, the 6 digit Z57xM kit. You can see the original here:
http://www.allspectrum.com/store/digit-red-filtered-z57xm-nixie-tube-clock-kit-p-130.htmlI've kept the size of the board the same as before, but everything else is new. Some features:
- Controller choices. The board will accommodate an ESP32 or a Pi Zero. I've picked these two boards because of their popularity and the fact that they have wifi. It is so nice not having to set the clock! Wifi and NTP!
- Modern HV drivers, HV5122/H2222
- The tried and true MAX1771 for the HV supply
- Pinout for optional DHT22 temp/humidity sensor
- Pinout for optional BH1750 light level sensor to dim the tubes at night
- Prototype area for custom sensors/etc.
Pictures here:
http://neonixie.com/Z57XM6DV2/The actual pictures are of the first prototype with an ESP32 attached. The 3D rendering is of the second prototype which I am about to order. I believe the second prototype should be very close to the production version.
Now on to the point of this post. Before I order the second prototype, I would like to know what people think of it.
Comments about the overall design or any specifics, what you like or don't like about it. Any changes or additions you would make?
There is still time for me to make changes.. so if there are any other standard pinouts (like for the light sensor/etc) that I can easily add I will. This was my first real experience with the ESP32 board and it works well in the design along with the Pi Zero which has a big following.
I appreciate your advice and comments in helping me make this a nice kit!
Thank you!
Regards,
-Moses